The City of Makati held the first-ever Rosas ng Sampiro Festival on June 23, 2024. The event took place at the corner of Ayala Avenue and Paseo de Roxas. The festival honors the Virgen de la Rosa, a revered statue enshrined in the Sampiro Church.
The Virgin Mary statue, known for its miraculous interventions, has garnered a devoted group in Makati. The image has an ivory head and hands. Its chest cavity holds a strand of Mother Mary’s hair. It arrived in the Philippines in 1718 via the galleon La Sacra Familia. During its stay at the Sampiro Church, the Virgen de la Rosa was credited with miracles. These include pregnancy, childbirth, and healing.
The inaugural Rosas ng Sampiro Festival began with a Catholic Mass. The event’s highlight was a festival dance competition. The unwavering faith of the participants was clear as they continued their performances even as rain poured down. Barangay Bangkal’s energetic dance presentation particularly captivated the audience despite the downpour.
